Turnbull not denying reported support for Kyoto

Malcolm Turnbull is not saying whether or not he has ever personally supported ratifying Kyoto (File photo).

Tracey Nearmy: AAP

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull is refusing to say whether he has ever been a supporter of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Today Opposition Leader Rudd seized on newspaper reports that Mr Turnbull believed the Kyoto treaty on climate change would have no adverse economic impact on Australia, and that he tried to convince Cabinet to ratify it.

He also would not say whether or not he has ever personally supported ratifying the treaty, saying it is not the role of a minister to express personal opinions.

The Minister told Sky News it would not have much impact if Australia were to ratify the treaty.

"If we were to ratify the Kyoto Protocol tomorrow, it would be essentially a political decision," he said.

"It would not change what we are doing because we are already committed to meet the cuts, or meet the emission levels - they're not cuts, they're an 8 per cent increase over 1990 levels."

But Mr Turnbull says the Federal Government believes there needs to be another treaty to replace Kyoto.

"The problem with Kyoto as it stands is that it does not have a pathway or any binding commitments from the major emitters, and in particular the fastest-growing emitters such as China and India," he said.